About Us

We are YES SHE RISES

Yes She Rises is working toward independence and empowerment of devadasi women and girls trapped within the tradition of religious servitude. We are a voluntary organization. We are about bringing change.

about the Founder

I am an interdisciplinary artist-activist. My present work addresses the Devadasi (servant of god) tradition in Karnataka, India.

I first learnt about the practice in 2008. It was disturbing to know that young Dalit (untouchable) girls are still being sold to the highest bidder. In 2012, I received a response from the legendary activist, the late Lavanam Gora of Samskar. I travelled to meet him, and former devadasis Samskar rescued in the 80’s. It took me another three years to connect with the devadasis in Karnataka. I visited devadasi group in four villages near Hospet. There are still over 2000 devadasis in Hospet who need help.

Founder's Note

I learned from former devadasis at MASS, Belgaum how they freed themselves and others from this tradition with the help of MYRADA and foreign aid. But I witnessed a contrasting scenario in poverty-stricken villages near the UNESCO world heritage center, Hampi. The Devadasi tradition is still very much alive there. No major help, foreign or local, ever reached in these villages.

The young mothers I met, are determined to change their lives but they see little hope. Many are in their twenties and thirties.

Why women & girls

An educated woman has tremendous potential. She can build a safe world for herself and her children. Devadasis have no support

Girls are strong

An educated girl can change the world. But daughters of devadasis lack support of a safe home and education.

women are rising

Create an opportunity for her. Take action. Teach her to read, write, and have a skill to be free of the Devadasi Tradition.

We made a film

Below is an excerpt from our experimental documentary Devadasi_NOW. The film is available for screening at your institution, town or community. Devadasi_NOW has received an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at CICFF 2018 and have been selected in other film festivals. You can also receive a blu-Ray copy of the film for supporting the project. For more details please visit Yes She Rises on Fractured Atlas

Meet Our Team

Volunteers, associates, advisors

Project Founder-Director

Indrani Nayar-Gall is a professional artist and former professor. She has been working on the plight of devadasis for the past ten years. Her work and film explore the problems of the Devadasi tradition.

Writer-Blogger

Shyama Parui is an ardent writer. She holds an MA in Industrial Organizational Psychology and an MA Counseling. Shyama brings empathy and deep understanding of human behavior to Yes She Rises.

DOP/Cinematographer

Tuhin is an upcoming photographer and cinematographer. He graduated from Techno India University majoring in Film Studies and Production. He has worked in a number of productions.

Editor

Bijoy is a professional video editor. He graduated from National Institute of Film and Fine Arts, Kolkata, India majoring in film. He has worked on numerous projects and on the National Television channel.

Project Facilitator

T. Narayan is the program director and the flag bearer of Vimukthi, Ballari, Karnataka. He is a dedicated and a tireless worker fighting for the rights of underprivileged women with his team.

Our advisors and outreach team

Website Advisor

Rafael Cepeda

Community Outreach

Raj Kulgod

International Outreach

Shanta Dutta

Barbados (Int'l) Outreach

P. Mythili Nanduri

Community Outreach

Raghunadhak Kota

Writers - Social media

Raj Banerjie

Our accomplishments

We are half way to meeting

our project goal

Since 2016 we have gathered

62 supporters

Raised

$13,049 of $25,763

About Me

Yes She Rises

Yes She Rises is a volunteer-based organization. We bring change through education and employment of women and girls.
Contact us @ mail@yessherises.org